This article covers 10 Amazing & Fun Facts about the Waxwing.
Family: Bombycillidae
FACT #1 There are three species of waxwing
There are three species of waxwing: the Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum), Japanese Waxwing (Bombycilla japonica), and Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus). All three waxwings are exotic-looking birds with pinky-buff coloring and attractive crest feathers.
FACT #2 They are named after sealing wax!
They are called waxwings because their wing feathers look like they have been dipped in the sealing wax used to seal important envelopes. The Cedar Waxwing got its first name from its favorite food, the cedar berry.
FACT #3 In Groups They Are An Earful!
A group of waxwings can be referred to as a flock, but the correct name is an ‘earful’ or a ‘congregation’, and is a referenceto their persistent chatter.
Bohemian Waxwing Earful:
Alan Dalton, xeno-canto.org
FACT #4 Waxwings Love Berries!
Waxwings are renowned for their penchant for berries such as hawthorn, cotoneaster, and rowan. In fact, putting fruit out is a great way to attract them to your garden, in particular apples! However, they don’t exclusively eat berries, they will also eat insects, tree buds, flower petals and even sap.
FACT #5 Waxwings Can Eat Twice Their Body Weight
A single Waxwing can eat between 800 and 1000 berries in a single day. This equates to about twice their body weight.
Fact #6 They Are Pretty Fast
Waxwings cover long distances during their migration, and are able to sustain speeds between 25 and 37 mph enablingthem to cover ground as quickly as possible.
Fact #7 Waxwings Are Quite Social
Irruptions of Waxwings are a well-known phenomenon, where hundreds of Waxwings descend onto feeding grounds. But Waxwings are not particularly aggressive towards other birds and are sometimes seen in mixed flocks. Squabbles do occasionally break out, however, although these tend to be quite short and to the point.
Fact #8 Waxwings Aren’t Shy Of Humans
This is particularly the case when they arrive at their wintering feeding grounds from long migrations. Waxwings are even known to eat food from people’s hands.
Fact #9 Waxwings Have Endearing Mating Routines
During the Spring, male & female Waxwings can sometimes be seen passing objects back and forth with each other suchas berries and bugs; as part of their courting routine. Cedar Waxwings are even known to use flower petals!
FACT #10 Waxwings Are Born Featherless & Blind
Nestlings hatch altricially, meaning they have no feathers and their eyes are closed. They are therefore completely reliant on their parents for protection, heat regulation, and food. Their eyes open at around 5 days, and are fully fledged after a further 10 or 11 days.
